THE National Motorcycle Museum has risen like a phoenix from the
ashes a year after a devastating fire destroyed hundreds of priceless
machines.

Many thought the blaze would spell the end of the popular museum,
in Bickenhill, close to the NEC.

But with a defiant attitude and months of hard work, the attraction
is set to reopen before Christmas.

A discarded cigarette sparked the blaze on Tuesday, September 16
last year, which destroyed more than 400 historic motorbikes and damaged
another 100.

More than pounds 20 million has been spent on renovation work,
including painstaking labour on some of the world- famous bikes and an
overhaul of the museum facilities.

One of the museum's most famous exhibits, the five-time
TT-winning Works Triumph nicknamed Slippery Sam, is back after its total
rebuild by the factory race shop mechanics who built it originally.

The museum opens again on December 1, when a sprinkler system will
keep exhibits safe.

Museum development manager Nick Hartland said: "When we look
back and think how we all felt on the day of the fire, and watched our
dreams go up in smoke, I find it astounding to see how far we have come.

"The museum has developed into a focal point for the British
motorcycle movement and, come December, the complex really will be known
as a place where legends live on."

martin.1.smith@mrn.co.uk

CAPTION(S):

EXHIBIT: The Works Triumph, nicknamed Slippery Sam, (above) was
rebuilt from the ashes of the fire (right)

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